Can end testing machine



Sept 28, 1943. w. w. MAHER 2,330,229

CAN END TESTING MACHINE Z7] ATTORNEYS Sept 28, 1943 w. w. MAHER 2,330,229

CAN END TESTING MACHINE V Filed oct. 15, 1941 12 sheets-sheet 2 i 4 /ff Sept. 28, 1943. w, w. MAHER 2,330,229

CAN END TESTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 15, 1941 12 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTOQNEYS Sept. 28, 1943. w. w. MAHER 2,330,229

' CAN END TESTING MACHINE Filed Oct. l5. 1941 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 ELEC /c MOTO@ Ez g- ZW g4 g f7 f7 ATTORNEYS pt@ 28, w43, w. w.` MAHER 2,330229 CAN END TESTING MACHINE Fldfoct. 15,1941 12 sheets-sheet 5 ELECT IC MOTOR ATTORNEYS Sept. 28, 1943. w,`w. MAI-1ER CAN END TESTING MACHINE Fi'led 0G17. 15, 1941 12 ShetS-Sheet '6 Sti m.

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ATTQENEYS Sept 23 943- A w. w. MA1-IER 2,330,229

GAN END TESTING MACHINE Filed Oct. 15. 1941 12 Sheets-Sheet EZ 9 N" V] y i M7 /0 67 /0Z 7 l K EE /0. y

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INVENT OR.

Sept. 28, 1943. w. w. MAHER 2330,229

' CAN END TESTING MACHINE Filed oct. 15, 1941 12 sheets-sheet 8 AT'roENgYS Sept@ 235 1943 w. w. MAHER 2,330,229

GAN END TESTING MACHINE l Filed Oct. 15, 1941 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Sept. 28, 1943. w. w. MA1-1ER 2,330,229

CAN END TESTING MACHINE Sept. 28, A1943. w. w. MAHER CAN END TESTING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 Filed Oct'. l5, 1941 fia i INVENFOR. e 5%' M W. W. MAHER CAN END TESTING MACHINE 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 Filed ont. 15;'1941 ATTORNEYS A Ar :0/ i In..

Patented Sept. 28, 1943 CAN END TESTING MACHINE William W. Maher, San Francisco, Calif.; assignor to American vCan Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application October 15, 1941, Serial No. 415,129 y Claims.

The present invention relates to an air pressure can end testing apparatus for detecting perforations or other imperfections in the end AWall and has particularl reference to an improved feeding mechanism for the can ends and to more efcient testerl heads so that rapid testing is -obtained withoutl in any way detracting from the accuracy of the testing operation.

An object of the invention is the provision of a can end testing apparatus wherein can ends are fed individually from a stack of ends and are positioned in a tester head at high speedand wherein the ends are tested by air pressures applied toopposite sides so'that the ends having segregated 4 'from imperfections causing leaks arel the perfect ends.

Another object of the invention is the provision of. a two-Wheel canend tester having high speed feeding devices for feeding can ends from` heads which are carried on a pair of verticallyl disposed testing Wheels which are continuously rotated, can ends being fed from a single mechanismalternately into the tester heads, one end to a head on one Wheel and the next end toa head carried on the other wheel, the relative poings,`discloses a preferred embodiment;

GII

en invconnection with the accompanying dra-wthereof. Referring to the drawings: l y

Figure l is a front elevation'of a can end testing 'apparatus embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the apparatus, as viewed along the section line 2--2 in Fig. 1;- 'vv Fig 3 is a longitudinal sectional view through the apparatus and looking in the same direction as inFig. 1;

Figs. 4 and 5 are reverse sectional details both f being taken along the line illustrated in Fig. 1

sition of the heads on the two wheels being such as to insure a high speed feeding action With-the resulting substantially continuous testing of successive can ends.

Yet anotherv object of vision of an improved tester head for a can end testing apparatus which embodies xed and movable members for clamping a can end therebe-r` the invention is the protween and in position for testing of the can end so that the opposite sides of the can end form parts of individually sealed chambers which may be subjected to predetermined air pressuresifor effecting the test.

Another object is the provision of a can end testing apparatus for the purpose described which includes a delay mechanism set in motion upon, completion` ,of the .testing operation for actuating a `throw-out device when a tested leakyv can end has been broughtinto a discharge position, the device removing'such an end from the regular path oftravel yof the non-leaky tested can ends leaving the apparatus.

which is `marked with arrows andthe numerals 4-4 and 5 5, Fig. 44. being an under side View and Fig. 5 being a top'sectional view;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional detail of a portion of the driving mechanism, as viewed along the section line 6-6 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 'l is a composite sectional and top plan view illustrating the tester wheels in section and the can end magazine and associated mechanism in plan View;

Fig. Sis an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially along the line 8-8 in Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the apparatus' as viewed from the left in Fig. 1; l

FigglO is Aa sectional detail on anenlarged scale of a part of the discharge mechanism as viewed substantially along thesection line Ill-I9 in Fig. 1;

Fig. V11 is an end'elevation as viewed fromthe right in Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is a face View of lone of the' cam details as it would appear from aviewpoint indi cated by .the broken section linel 2-l2 in Fig. 7

Fig. 13 is a schematic View shown in perspective and embodying the principal driving or op- I erating shafts and gears relatingto actuating parts of the apparatus;

Fig. 14 is a Wiring diagram of the electric circuits used in the apparatus;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged sectional view taken longitudinally of the can end magazine asviewed along the section line' I5v-l5 in Fig. 7;

'.Fig. 16 is a plan sectional view of certain can end feeding ldevices located below the magazine as viewed along the sectionline4 IG-IG'in Fig. 15; i

Fig. 17 is a Vsectional detail taken Vsubstantially along the line l'l--I'l in Fig. 15; f

Fig. 18 is a face View of a portion of the canend cut-out device as viewed from the line l-I 8;-

along the line l--l in Fig. '7 with parts broken away;

Fig. 20 is an enlarged face view of one of the tester heads as viewed along the line 23-20 in Fig. '7;

Fig. 2l is an enlarged plan sectional View taken through one of the tester heads and illustrating a can end in clamped position;

Fig. 22 is a sectional detail as viewed along the section line EZ-EZ'in Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a view similar to Fig. 2l. but viewing the head after it has passed to the opposite side of the tester wheel and illustrating a can end` entering into the tester head, the parts of which are shown in unclampecl position;

Fig. 24 is an enlarged sectional view takenV through a unit air valve which is connected with the testing heads and is a view taken substantially along the line 24-2-'3 in Fig. 7;

Figs. 25 and 26 are sectional views of portions ofthe air valve partially broken away and tagen along the respective lines 25-25 and SIR- 25 inl Fis. 24; r

Figs. 27, 28, 29 andfSO are fragmentary sectional views of the air valve shown in Fig, 24V

and illustrating different positions ofthe valve, these views being sections taken along the' lines 2l-2l, 28-28, 29--29 and .3G-B in Fig. 25;.

Fig. 31 is a fragmentary sectional view. illustratirlg another part of the valve inechanism;A

Fig. 32 is an enlarged sectional view cig ani air diaphragm unit as taken substantially along the line 32-32 in Fig. '7;

Fig. 33 is a pian view with parts broken lull Fig. 38 is a schematicdiagram of4 four different` positions of certain slide parts of the delay meehanism shown in Fig. 35. v

'I-he machine illustrated to exemplify thepres-y ent invention comprises a double wheel structure, indicated by the letterrA, each wheel ofwhich carries a series of spaced tester heads B; `the wheels being located one in front, the other in the rear of the apparatus. The position of the tester heads cn one Wheel. is suchas toi-.be in staggered relationto .those on the otherK wheelv sothat as thcfwheel structure turns, a` head iol', one `wheel passes a` given` horizontal line :its be.` followed immediately by a tester head on the other wheel passing such aline. Thislmales it possible to feed can ends to both wheels from the same horizontal position.

Aunit magazine C is located intermcdiatethe L two wheels and is adapted to hold in stacklformation` can ends a to be tested. The stack of iends held within the magazineQ is inclined slightly, from the Vertical` sothat one sidel of the staclg is lower than the othenn y A cut-out or segregatllg device, dicated by the letterD, Ais provided tonsupporting. the high side of: the stack when; thedevice@ is in non-operated position. Segrcgatinggdevicef,

D" extends along. themagazine center and islogenerallyinf cated at the inner side of the magazine which is the high side of the stack.

During normal operation of the machine the cut-out device D operates in synchroniszn with the rotation ofthe tester Wheel A so that the lowermost can end a in the stack is separated from the can end just above each time a tester head B passes a given point. Such separation permits lowering of the high side of the lowermost can end so that this side of the end may be separated further from the stack of ends on that side.

The lowering device which further moves the l end after its initial separation may be considered appart ofthe segregating magazine unit. Such a deviceV constitutes broadly a separating drum or rotating member E arranged on a vertical shaft and locatedljust below a part of the sliding member of the initial segregating device.

Rotating member E is formed with an interrupted helicalthread on its cylindrical wall so that when the sliding element of theinitial segregating device operates to release theorie side4 of the lowermost can end from the stacls'ioff ends in the magazine, the high sideofthe end; so released is engaged by thethread or' therotating member. This lowers the can endn into a. horizontal positiorn The opposite or lower` side,` of the can end while in the stack remainslsubstantially in the same horizontal-plane during. this moving of the can end into.l a` horizontal position.

A low end stack control EE is provided for stopping operation of the slide segregating device in the event of the stack of: ends running low. This is to insure proper feeding action of theends from the magazine. If too few ends are in the stack there isalwaysvthe danger of interference in the smooth feedingaction normally obtained. This will be described in the proper place.

The magazine C and segregating device D, with the rotatingmember E; do service for both of the tester wheels A. The transferring of a can end a into its tester head is `brought about by several separateoperating, devices which may Provision is` be mentioned briefly atthis time. made for shifting a can end to the front or to the back of the machine immediately after it has been brought down into horizontal position.

`This shifting alternates n successive ends sot ment takes place without interruption so thatV a. contlnuouslsuccession. of can ends are moved two sides of the magazine and. each cage adaptedV to. receive a canend. in a horizontal position and then by a hinging actions-the` cage swmgs the can end, into averticall position. The

two cagemembers on the 'two sides of the. ma-

chine alternate so that whenV one cage member-` is 1n horizontal position, the other member istinti shifting a segregated canend` a, into its` cage.

member Such-an alternating feedinggdevice includes parallelogram arms so that whenfmovedg, in one direction aA canendispushednto its cage.y

member. The .can end engaging part of such'. a

feed mechanism. is brought into position by.v thisY movement to engage the next separated can end to feed it in the opposite direction.

The feeding of the can end from its vertical l position within the cage device 'is effected by means of aslide tester head feed H. Suchfa feed consists of duplicate slide members and when,I

movable member is pressed into clamping relai tionship with the fixed member. This pressing action is brought about-by a locking device J which not only clamps the can end between the head members but also seals olf a-fspace in each head member so that the can end then isinterposedbetween two sealed spaces or testing chambers K and KK.

This feeding of Va can end into a tester head' and the clamping of the end therein takes place while the testerfwheels continue their rotation. Immediately following the clamping of a can end,` the sealed spaces K and KK which constitute testing chambers, are connected with suitable air pressures so that a predetermined pressure is provided for each of the chambers. This is done by means of a pressure valve L having the proper parts and passages.

As the tester wheels continue their rotation, a diierence in air pressures is provided through the action of the valve, on opposite sides ofthe can ends, that is, in the testing chambers K and KK. Such a pressure diierence is maintained during a considerable part of the movementof a` tester head through a single rotation of the testerv wheel and this constitutes a holding test period. Following such holding period any change in the pressure diierencebetween the tester chambers K and KK produces certain results. A change inchamber pressures will take place in the event that the can end is imperfect.

` For example, a perforation in the can end wall will allow air in the higher pressure testing chamber to pass into the lower chamber as it tends to equalize the pressures. Obviously, this causes a variation in the pressure difference between chambers.

The effect of such an air pressure change byv air leakage from one chamber to another yis n-` terpreted 'by the use of adiaphragm unit YM associated withkthe tester head undergoing the` test. There is one of these diaphragm units for each of the tester wheels A and such a unit is connected with the particular tester head B through the valve L. An electrical circuit is closed inthe unit M when the can end which is being tested has leaked. This electrical circuit is associated with a delay timing unit O vwhich operates to set in motion certain delay mech-4v canend reaches the throw-out devicathis oper.

a moredetailed considerationof the various .units of the machine just' mentioned. l r

` The double tester wheel A is formedy with a cen-f tral hub 2| (Fig. 7) whichat the front,4 merges into a transverse circular front .disc '.22l and atthe rear, in an` integral part of a back disc 23 of the same diameter. Thefdiscs' are joined. by a' series of radially disposed'webs 24 (see also Fig'.t 3) which extend out as integral parts o-f the.

hub 2|.

rAt; the longitudinal center of the wheel, i. e., half way between'. the spaced discs 22, 23 the webs 24 continue outwardly to merge intoan annular section 25 (see also'Fig. 9) which joins into a series of spaced vcylindricalbosses v2t. i These?v bosses provide anchorage forthe iixedimeinbers.' of the tester heads B for both wheels of the wheel:`

Thefront disc 22 is .formed on its Iinnerface with a series of spaced cylindrical bosses 2'! which. align with alternate bosses 26 at thev centerof l In like manner the back the wheel structure. disc 23 is formed on' its inner face with'a series of spaced cyimcricaibosses ze whiehaugn with, thel other alternatek bosses 23 at thef center.

Bosses 21, 23 provide anchorage for the movable members of the tester heads B o-f thev respective front and back wheels.

The hub 2| is mountedfor rotation witha horizontal shaft 3| (Fig. '7). yShaft 3| is journaled at the rear of the machine in a bearing 32 formed wat the center of a cylindricalbovJi-shapedhous- 'ing 33 which is an integral part of a rear frame.l 34 (see also Fig. 3) which is carried onA a base 35.`

At the forward end, the kshaft 3| isjournaledv in a bearing 36 (Figs. l and 24) formed ina bearing platel. This plate 3'! is circular and is bolted, as at 38. toy a front housing 39 which corresponds in general contour to thefrearv housingy 33.` The front housing, however, merges into a atwalled'frame 40 which terminates at the bottom in legs il which are also carried on the base 35.

The wheel structure A and the shaft 3| are rotated by application of power applied from the outside. Adjacent the front end of the shaft 3|, a ring plate i2 (Figsfl and '7) is i'l'Xedon the front of the wheel disc 22, the outer diameter of plate and disc being the same. The ring pla-te at the front is formed with a geared section Q5, the teeth of which are engaged by a drive pinion Z6 (Figs. l and 13).

t The pinion i6 is mounted upon an intermediate I a pinion 49 secured to one end of a horizontallyl disposed jack shaft 5| which extends from front to back just outside of the periphery of thewheel unit A where itis suitablyjournaled in tlie front y and rear frame parts 34, 40.

f"The .jack shaft 5| at the rear end of the mav chine carries a grooved sheave pulley 52 over which a V-belt 53 operates. The belt 53 also takes over a sheave pinion 54 which is mounted ,upon a motor shaft 55 (see also'Fig. 7) of an electric motor 55. This motor'provides forcentinuousk rotation of the tester wheel unit A and the wheelv shaft 3|. The motor may be bolted on at'es.v Thus the unit 'Pzdischargesithe leakyfcan' end ejecting it as desired so that it will be di-lf t verted from the regular' path of -travellof good f canends` discharged from the machiner. 1'

Reference will now; be had to the drawingsfor' suite.

for a bo'x frame 53` on which@isrmountedfanaanch housing 59` (see. also Eig., 119.; Housings 59x is; formed with a attopupairt: lihvvhich.issatizthecr upper. part: of vertical sideswallssil.; (see also-Fig. 2) which extend. upwardly from. inclined; cone.- nectingwa'lls. The top'..wxa.ll;lilfproi/'ides` acsups. port for the magazine C.. The:back;and;front walls of the box frame-15i may. besintegral.A seca tions of. the back and-.front frame :3.4; 40, respecte. tively.

The magazine C comprises a stack ring 65.(Figsi. 7, and 15) The central openingof'theringindicated by the numeral 65a'. formsithefpocket.spaceL; for a stack of can endsctobe testedz. Thisiopena. ing 66 is inclined slightly from thexverticalf; so:

that the stack of canendsf, awhilez withim theo` magazine isina slightly inclinediposition... Maga:- zine rods El carried ongthe; ringimaintainfthe; stack of can ends in proper alignment.

The stack of endsa. within thefmagazinefrests with the lower. sideof the sta-clefA (at the1rightiim Fig. 15) upon the. top. 6.0.'. Opposite this; that', is at the high side of-the stackithe( ends resiiupon: parts of the segregatingdeViceD This arrange.` ment maintains the inclinediposition;of1thercan: ends within the stack..

The segregating device.- D.- includes an; upper'. slide 68 (Figs. 15, 17. and:18) which ist disposed. adjacent the high side of the magazine C, being.. confined between side Walls-69; of asloti lllrforrned in a raised boss 'H `at theA inner. end of.f thearch :V

housing top 69. Slide.68.isfcutthrough:adacent its inner end with an opening'lZ; providing; clear..-

ance for a reducedvupper` end 13 of :ayertcall-yj disposed or segregating separator screw sha-ftzlf (seealso Figs. 3. and 13).

Shaft '(4, adjacent itsfupnei end, isajou-rnalecli in a bearing 'i5 formedinthetop. section zjllst b elnw. the boss i.' 'f'llfisjournaled in a bearing 'l'formedin afbracket.. 7J. The bracket f5.7. is `mounted. :on Y a. horizlontalgf. web 18. which entends; between and". whichisffas-f tened to the lside walls ofthe box frame fthusf' being located inside of the box frame and insider: of the arch housing 5&1 Thispbacketcarries many of theworkingpa-rtsofthesegregatingide vice D and of the alternating*feedY A. dess-.ripetion of the-manner of rotatimg;-the'fsha-ft.'lita/vill.` be delayed as. it is closely associated with theA tester head. feedH to be. describedhereinaflter...

Above the bearing. 15 and. just .be-low itstopfendil '13., the. shaft M isi formed with. all eccentricl (Figs. 15 and 1S) which ts loosely for rotation` in the forward perforatedY end of a ,lo-werslide link E2 of the segregating.. device. D. slide link 82 is mounted in a slot 'liof'tl'ie boss 'il and* as the eccentric Si turns with the `rotatimfrofjtlflel shaft i, the forward'perforatediendiof theslide" link-S2 Inoves in a small circle.

This action ra-ws theA slide link1forward-iandfback with eachrotaticnbt thesh'aft': Slidefliiulcf: 82 carries a pin `233 on W 'ich-wshovtfsleevesmiisc mounted. The sleeve Sfiextends; up; intovarslotf- '-cut in the under rear-end2- oftherslideemembbr @B A spring: islocated-in .the-slot .85.'u`ust back of: Ytl .e sleeve: and thus.A is-in-terposed. between-the-4 sleeve 84 anda. rear end-Wallof'the slot.V provides a yielding.. connection betweenthe two slide parts Ezand; 82.-. 1

Every time the-k slide.. link .82'. moves, backwith.. eachI rotation of the shaftfM, theV upperfsiide. 68.5.1 is correspondingly moved, unless it is held in po- A-t the lower end.. theL shaft. f

sitionzbm yaction ofi.' the zlovz end; detecting Yunii;;Ez as.; willi bec describedi hereinafter.' In. the. eventi that the slideetfistpreventedfrom inovingythemovement of theislidelinltf isftakennp bythe@T Trie-forward, endrofilthe slide. EB is. thinner.` than; its bodsfsectionandithisend; istapered to: form; azseparazoi: edgei (Figs.` l5 andil )i which.` when the slide `movesafzoritlard.atten'being pulledJbackf.

bysthecslideilinks, .engages under' and: forms-:a:

supportafoi? the: can.` ends inzthe. magazine: at the.; high side-offthe stack; This provides what'will beV clesignatediesthea segregating laction'. When. such; an; action. takes: place'.v the. seperated end is. inl

f position for actuation by. the rotating` separator membenE..

senaratingydrumor rotating-member E. comprises :ai cylindrical `block 9 l whichis mounted..

Uponfandturnsawith the upper reducedendzlt'oi the-shaft 'Mi p of; endsvat. the-highside-drops down, ontov the:

block. The lowermost end at suha time.- rests. directlyupon thetop ofthe projection 92.

rIhe slide 66; iinn'iediately returns; following this; loweringf of'. the high: side of the stackAV of ends; and fitsstapered .edgef 851 thereupon.. engages betweentheflowermost end whichds stillin the stack-;and thefend nextabove;V This -action.sepa.- rateathe lovvermost can. end. alongtthehigh.sidev ofi-thesstachsinee theA slidel is above the end. At

the-same time 4thefslide-supports the other ends in the stack along the highA side.

in:niediatelyfollowing'tlclis4 separation-or segregation. of thelowermcst.. can end the, continued. rotation-.of .the blockvg Lmoves. its supporting p1ojectiornoutfrom.under the separated can end..

Thereupon-.the end drops into` ahelicalgroove- 93 iormediby. thespace betweenends of the. heli.-` calvthread andthe endrests upon the inclined.

upper: partei. the thread.. Therotating block.

96- mounted, on'- top. of the.. block 9j.. This blocks isheld initspositionson top ofthe eccentric section 8?! of' theshaft by a.4 1ocknut` 9 1 Whichds', threadedly securedjtc .the top. endf'iSjof'the sh'aft 'HtA and. this. clamps `t1'1=.-.sleeve. 96 "down .onto thej block.. Eree sliding.` movement bfack. and. forth. of-.theslide .member 6,8" over the drum 9.1 iszthus' assured when. a. .can end'is to be separated from the-stack. i

'Ifbelov/t. end stack' control used to` stop feeding. of, the. can ends al from themagazine' when'the suppiy of ends runsdovv will nowbe considered.' The slide 62' is'formed'alongjitstop surface with. a transverse inclined ledge 98' Figs; 15,' and 1.71. WlentlfieV slidis initsinnermost. orstack..holdingpositionits. ldge. 98. just for-.- ward of. as similar ledge SBZ formed..on.acyln, dricalgfcot.llofasliding pin |022 This pin liftedby magnetic attraction imparted to a coreV gram of Fig. 14.

kI|`|3 ofranelectro-magnet |04. Thema'gnetis mounted on a hollow cylindrical stem |05 which may be an' upwardly extending integral part of the housing boss 1I. This stem also provides a bearing for `the sliding pin parts I |32.

This magnet operated rpin V|32is adapted to lock the slide 68 and hold it in its end supporting position (Fig. 15) 'when the supply of ends in thestack fallslbelowa given point. The lowered, locking position of the ledge S9 on the slide is maintained during the time the magnet is deenergized. At such a time a spring |06 which surrounds the pin |02 and is enclosed within the stem |05 presses down on the foot ||J| and holds the parts in locking position. Normally, during the operation of the machine, the magnet is energized and the pin |02 with its head IGI is in the raised position of Fig. 15, this lifting action overcoming the action of the spring |63.

On the oppositeside of the stack of ends a in the magazine, `a stop linger |31 isfpositioned. 'Ihis finger is mounted upon a pivot pin |08 which is carried in lugs |69 which project outwardly from the ring G5 of the magazine. The Stop nger |01 is weighted above its pivotal mounting and will tip down into vthe magazine opening unless held back by a supply of can ends in the stack. Such a nger also extends below the pivot pin |58 as' a short arm 'I |5. An electric switch H6 is mounted upon the top |58 lof the Ahousing |53 and a sliding part |1`of the switch normally projects outtoward the magazine, the switch being open at that time. l l

Referring momentarily to Fig. 14, the control electric circuits associated with such a switch may include lead lines |2|, |22 which connect with a suitable source of power suchas a generator |23. The electro-magnet `|04 is connected by a wire |24 to the lead wire |2|. The opposite side of the magnet is connected by a wire |25 to the lead wire |22 through a resistance lamp |26. As long as the generator |23 is` operating cur- -rent flows through the magnet IM and keeps the pin I |12 in its normally raised position and out of the way of the segregating slide 68.

When the supply of ends a in the magazine runs too low, the stop nger||l1 is not held outwardly; The stop :linger in moving from its normal position rocks on its pivot pin |33 in a counter-clockwise direction (as viewed in Fig. 15). This counter-clockwise movement of the stop finger presses in on the sliding part IH of the switch' I I6 and closes a .shunt circuit which deenergizes the magnet Ulft, see the wiring dia- Switch |16 on one side vis connected to the wire by a wire |21 and onthe other side is connected by a wire |28 to the lead wire |2|. With the switch IS closed, currentows from the lead wire IZI by way of wire |23, switch H6 and wires |21, |25 to the lead wire |22. This circuit offers lessv resistance than the core winding of the magnet |04, therefore the magnet is shunted out and deenergized.A

As soon as this occurs the sliding pin |32 drops under action of 'the spring |93 and thereupon the locking shoulder `99 engages the ledge S8 of the slide 68 and holds the slide against any withdrawing movement. As long as theslide 68 is thus, held, each movement of the link 82 is taken up by the interposed spring 83, as has already been fully described.

Returning now to a further consideration of the separated .can end a now resting in its horizontal position with one sidestill under the stack of ends in the magazine', .such anendisnow ready to be engaged and transferred by the al ternating feed G. i

The alternating feed G comprises an end engaging pin |35 (Figs. `15` and 16) which is mounted centrally of a link |33 located directly below the magazine and operating within a clearance recess |31`formed in the' top 'wall '63 of the housing 59. Link |33 (see also Fig. 13) is pivotally connected at itsr ends as at |38, ltoparallel feed arms VI4I,V |42. The'arm |l|| is pivoted-on'a pin M3 (see also Fig. 8) carried in the housing wall 60, The other arm |42 is mounted on the upper end of a vertically' disposed `rocklshaft Iffi also journaled in the wall 6|).

The parallel arms IM, |42 movebackandforth so that the can end engaging pin |35 moves'rst to the front and then tothe back of the machine, In moving to oneside, the can end a which is resting in it-s horizontal position below the magazine, is. slid laterally across the `top 69 into the cage F'located on thatside of the machine. Y

.The pin' |35 is moved back immediately in the opposite direction but bythis time,A another can end which has'been separated from the stack dur'- ing the first movement, is in position-'to be engaged by the pin and to be moved inthe opposite direction. It is vfed into fa cage'F on the oppolsite side oftheV machinaA` This oscillating movement of the parallelarms-II,

considered.

The lower end of l"the shaft |64 carriesan arm I5| and is journaled in abearing |52 -(Figs. 3 andv 13) formed 'inL the` bracketll. The outer end'` of arm |5|1is pivotally connectedzbyl'a pin |53 to'a link'154fwhich in turni's pivotallycon anected `at1|55 to 'a crank army |539 Arm"|5| is -mounted onv the'upper end of` al vertical Vcrank shaft |51, which isjournaled Vin a bearing '|58 formed in the bracket 11. f

The crank shaft |51 is continuously rotated by operative connection with the intermediate shafty 41. Shaft |51 is driven through 'mitre gears |59 from a` horizontal transferfdrive shaft' |6I. The shaft 6I is journaled in bearings |32 formed in the bracket 11. A I K a v The oppositeend of the shaft I3! carries a pinion |63 which'meshes with a gear :|54 carried on a-horizonta-lshaft |65. The shaft |65 provides for operation of a number of parts of the `apparatus in addition' to the actuationlof the parallel members IM, |42 now being considered. At the forward end of the shaft |35 (seealso Fig. 6) a double fa'ce bevel gear |55 yis provided. The shaft IE5 is suitably journaled in bearings formed in the frame 34 at the rear and in the at the front of the machine.'

The outerface of the double' gear Itdmeshes with a pinion |61 (see valso Fig. l) mounted on a transverse shaft |38: Shaft |68 is journaledin a bracket I1I which-is an integral partv of the ,box housing 53fand in bearings |12 formedfin the front frame part 40. Theend of the shaft IEB adjacent one `bearing` |12, carries a gear |13 which meshes with a gear I 14 mounted on the intermediatev shaft 41. y v i The operative connection has now been traced, showing that rotation of the intermediate shaft 41 is transmitted to the rock shaft |64 of the al'- ternating feed' G. "I'his shifts the,` cut-out can end first into `one cage F on one side of the machine and -then' into the other cagevon the oppon 4site side. g When a` can end is moving into a cage member'itsis 2in-horizont`a1 position. lThis is the frame 48 position` of', the cagemeznberxlshown just above the magazine C in the plan view. of'Fig. '7. A1 detailed consideration of the cage-construction.' and its-actuation willl be had ini reference tothe can end; it receives and discharges: l

The'cage'l is of a hingedfwing type and com prises a top open'framemember |81 (Figa l, 2, 45. 5. and 19% which is' formede with` a' circular'end part. |82 which merges into; a lower spaced'r wall |f85l forming a hook.` The? end of: each-r cage frame'opposite to itshookediend merges intoY two spaced cylindrical: lugs |84 oneof which is secured to a horizontal rack shaft. |35` (see also Fig. 8) There are twoof theserockshafts one for each cage member and. eachshait is journaled' in bea-rings |86 formeclin` the topy @Dfoffthe archhousing 59. The other lug of. each cage member: carries a` pin which has movementI on the other bearing` |86.

Whena can end a advances:- fully into: aV horizontally disposed: cageF it passes into the space at the rounded end of the cagebetween the hook part |83 and the top frame |8|. During its movement, it is supported on; a. pair oftspaced groovedtracks IST-'(Figs; 3 and-7). These'. two track sectionsare integral: parte of the arch housing top- 60: andy extend to both. sides; of the magazine. 'Ilhe sideof the endzwhich is at the lowside of. the magazineisslipped out from-unfden thestack and' the' stack thereuponA drops dovvnk upon. the: track during this advance.- of the can end.

When', the can end a isI fully seated Within the cage F the. shaft |85 on which that. particular cage. is mounted, is rocked so that the cage and the can end areV broughtldownintmaiverticalpo sition. Fig. 2 atfthe rightillustrates a can end abeingmoved into: theright handA cage F which at that time. is in` horizontal positionl- This fig ure also illustrates the left? handcage inl its vertical position, the can endiapreviously fed to-the cage on theleft handV side of thefmachine.' being shown. in= position. The two shafts |85 onwhich the two cage members F are located are rocked in: unison, one cage moving down as theother Y one moves up. Thisfeaturewill now be'c'onsid ered.

The right hand shaft |85 as viewedin Fig. 8, carries a link` |9| (see alsofFSg. 7.). which is-piv oted atv |02. to a bifurcated block. |934 threadedly g' secured to one end of atie rod= |94-.. -The eppoi- `site end. of the tie, rod is threadedly'securecl; to a effected. by. rocking: the Tarm- |07 andwtlrit its shaft. |85. Thef lower end of the; T-ann ispivotally connected at |98 to/a bifurcated block. |99 securedtotheupper. end of an actuating rodi 20.1 (see also Fig.. 13).

The.` lower. end ot the-rod 20| 4 carries a bifurcated block 202 which=is.pivota.lly

2|-| of aface camg2-|2 which is-,mountedupon-and Whichz is secured to the transfer'drvef shaft |6l.

Ttbsz oscillation: of". the* lever arm 2011.' through thel connections described, rocksthe 'il-arnr I3? andi also thea shaft #051i to. which it. is' secured and at the same time rocks inY unison the opposite shaft. l through` the described connections. When. the parts are im the position. illustrated in Figs. 2iandl 8;, the-righthand cage member F is inits: horizontal onraised position and the op.- posite cage member. is` in` verticalz or lovveredpesitiori..

Still referring to Eig. 2, after the can enda ha'sbeenr removed .from the left hand cagemem ber., the latter their is raised. At the :tame time the: newly receivedcan end a in. the right hand cagev is moved through 90 in thehingingaction of its; cage member to bring it'into its vertical position. At the time a cage` member hinges from vertical'intohorizontal position, thecan' end a, for that cage has already been removed'. by thetester headfeedimechanism H..

fr can: end ar in its vertical-position, is in front ofa-.slide bar?.|5 (Fig..2)`. There is 'alsoia` corresponding slidebar located en the opposite. side of themachine but that bar'ism a-.diiferent posit-ion; Eachi slide bar' 2l'5fslides;within agroove 246 cut in` theA side wall 6| of the'arch housing 50; The inner face of each slide is formedwith a- '1?shaped head 2|?. 'Ilhis part of the slide cpleratesinA a; slot 210 cut throughthehousing wall. rIlhis construction while allowing for easy nerizontal slidingf movement of" the slide member 2 l5, also holds it in sliding position.

. Thus itis the` forward advancefot a slide member 2|5 that removes the canend r1. from itsicage member F and inserts it into-a .tester head B which atvthat time is coming intoposition: toreceive. it atf the forward. stroke. of the slide. At thesame time that a slide 2 'rismovingforward and* isremoving the can4 end fromfits cage'mcmber, the. corresponding slide onithe opposite side of themachine is moving'Y back in order to be in positionto feed the next endy after it has been brought down. into vertical position by aA subsequent hinging action. of its cage member F..

The forward and backward movement of each slide member 2|5 is brought about by its own crank movementA from a common shaft. Each slide is pivotallyy connected at `22| (Figs. 3 and A19)- to. alink 222. (see also Fig; 2) which is pivotally connected at 223- tothe-upper end` ofa feed lever 224. The twofeedI levers 224 arepivoted on. opposite ends off a horizontal. pivot rod 225 Which isheld in the bracket 'I'.l.

Provision is made for moving one of the levers 224 forward while the other lever. is being moved backward so thatthe proper feeding action takes place upon the canends. passing int'oiand being positioned by the cage members F. This is shown to'best advantagein Figs. 13 and 19; The lever 224 which is'on the front of theY machine is pivoted just above'its mounting to4v a link 23| which in turnA is pivated to a crank arm: 232 secured to one end of a horizontal shaft 233. In like manner the rear lever 224 is pivotedf just above its mountingv toa link 234 the opposite end' being connected to a secondv crank arm 235 carried on the opposite endof'the shaft 233.

The shaft 233 is. journaled in bearings formed in 'the bracket 1:1 (Fig. 3) and is rotated from the shaft |05. Shaft 233fcarriesa spur gear 236 which meshes with a gear 23'l'mounted on the horizontal' shaft |65. Continuous. rotation of the shaft |65 is thus imparted tothe'crank'shaft 233 whiclfrA througlr the action. of theY cranks 232, 235

xed head part.

iing into Vatester head.` The stem2|2` may have `a. central' vent bore 269 (Figs. 21 andV 23) r*to relieve air from the passage 263 when the spring A268 is compressed. 1

moves the two levers 224 in their back and forth travel. The spur gear 235 is an integral part of a sleeve 23S which is formed vwith bevel teeth 239 which mesh with a bevel gear 24|) carried on the lower end of the cut-out separator drum shaft 14. I

This, it will be recalled, is the actuation for the separator drum E,

The feeding of a can end a into its tester head B by the feed slide 22| is shown in Fig. 23. The construction of a tester head will irstbe considered so that this feeding movement will be better understood.

Each front disc cylindrical boss 21 (Fig. 7) and each rear disc boss 23 provides a support for a movable head member 24| which is formed withouter face of which is flush with the outer face of the head member.` The purpose of this will be evident as the description proceeds. v This ccnstitutes the principal parts of the movable head part of a testing head B. Attention now will be directed to the fixed head part.

Each cylindricalboss 25 of the annular section 25 of the double wheel structure A provides a support for a xed head member 252 (Figs. 21 and 23). Each xed head is formedwith a stem 253 which is keyed intel fixed position within its boss 26 by a key 254. The movable and xed head members 24|, 252 are on the same axis and are spaced apart, as in Fig. 23, when a tester head approaches the pcsiticn where 'it receives a can end a, v

Each xed head part 252 is formed with a countersunk space 255 which is on the side of the Ahea-d facing themovable head part 24|. Outside `vof the countersink the head part 252 is formed with an annular groove 255 in which a ring gasket 251 is seated. The face of this gasket is flush with the 'adjacent face of the head.

A spring knockout is provided in each xed y ,part of a tester head. Such a knockout com vprises a knockout pad 26| which is formed with arhollow stem252. The stem 222 is adapted to slide within a central bore l263 which passes through the major length of the stem 253 oi the An extension rod 264 is an integral part of the knockout stem 262 'and projects out through a reduced diameter opening 255 at the base of the bere 263.

' The outer end of the rod 254 is threaded and nuts 256 are securedon theth'readed end of the rod. to prevent displacement of the knockout ,device from its tester head. This also provides an adjustment which determines the amount of sliding movement the knockout pad has in the head. A protective sealed cap `261 is threadedly secured on the lower end of the stem 253 and this encloses the end of the rod 264 and its nuts 265. The juncture of the cap 261 and the stem comes within the boss 26 of the tester head.

A spring 258 is located .in the end of the bore 263 and is interposed between the end of the knockout stem 252 and the end wall of the bore.

This spring .provides for the desiredl knockout` action of a can end from the head. It also yieldingly holds the pad 26| in the proper position to guide the can end into the testerhead, as it is being slid from its cage F by the tester head feed slide 2 5. Fig. 23 shows a canend pass- As a tester head is coming into position-t yreceive a can end a for the test, the end is leaving its cage and is being moved along a horizontal path bythe feed slide 2|5. Such a path is provided by the top edge of a at vertically disposed guide plate 21| (Figs. 7 and 19). There are two of these guide plates one for each side of the machine. vEach plate 'at the end adjacent its cage F is secured to the wall 6| of the arch casing onv members 24|, 252 as it enters the tester head.`

A side guide plate 215 is secured on the outside of each guide plate 21| to bridge a small space between cage and tester head. f This prevents any displacement of the can end during its passage into the tester head.

As the endenters between the head parts 24|, 252 (Fig. 23) it is held over against the movable head by the outwardly positioned knockout pad 26|. At the end of the feeding stroke of the feed slide 2 I5 the can end cornes to rest against three spaced lugs 216 (see also Fig. 20) formed on the ace of the -head 24|. The end is then centered within the head. As the head is being carried around with the wheel structure the lugs pass through aclearance recess 211 formed in the guide plate 21 y,

Afterthe can end has been introduced into the separated tester heads the movable head 24| moves lagainst the end forcing it into a clamped and sealed position against the fixed head 252. During such a clamping movement, the spring .258 of the knockout `pad 25| yields and allows the can end now provides the testing chamber K.' l

The sealed space occupied by the countersink 255 in the fixed head 252 and closed oi by the inner side of the can end now becomes the testing chamber KK. These chambers are thus sealed off from one another and only the wall of the clamped can end is in between the chambers.

The clamping of the movable head 24| upon the seated cover is `eiiected by cam action and this v feature will now be considered. The outer end of each movable stern 242 of the movable head is pivotally connected at 218 (Figs. 21, 22 and 23) to a link 219 which extends into a clearance slot 289 and is .pivoted at 28| to a radial slidemember 282. There is one of these slide members adjacent each tester head.

Since the front wheel disc 22 on which the front slide membersV 282 are mounted, is covered difterently from the` back wheel disc 23 carrying the -nbaok-rslide Inembers,:ireference lwillirstrhe 'had `,to 'Figs.f1"and '1; 'The'front fringplatemrin its ilange ,section `'outside 'of Ythe sgearzteeth '65 is radially slotted at spaced intervalsfas ^at.283;for

feachlslide head member'282. :Onfboth sides of israsoxslotted at spaced :intervals as ;at.i2i'i3 :for

reachrslidemember .282. :,Spaced inwardlyfrom ;lits1.per'rphe11y, zthe tplate isv formedwith'rearwardly projected rib sections 281 `whichare jc'ninedcin'a ssolidfsection over each slide 2E2torprevent its cdisplacement.

'Nl/hen :a ,1 can -end :a :is :being fed .into position betweenfthe separatedtester head parts MMV-252 `itheicorresponding.fslide22rofzthe headis in its einnermostposition (iiig.v23).. .A spring .ball 2.0i :provides a ,detent .oriholdng ithe 4slide in this linner'` as "well t-as its outer position. :Such .a `Vball rests in one of two counte1'sinks292 formedin the router face :o'f .the :slide .member `23?; The :ball iisiengaged .byia rspring :293 'which is seated within a :screw :cap :2,90 threadedly engaged in :the plate 2185 for the .tester headszin the-rear and :asimilar constructionzis vprovided furthe front tester heads. "In thewlattercase 'thescrew caps .fare threadediy'held lin ithe :ring .plate 42 (see "-Eigs. `l and 37).

iWhenthezsliiie aZSZ'imovescoutwardly the link :21:91h: Ebrought into .'aXial .alignment -with the axis of the tester head. This performs :the clamping :of the canfendiin the 'tester,head.. This;move ement-:of theslideiis e'ifected .by Vcam actionand :forithis purpose eachzslide 2'82Lcarries a pin :295 con which :a :rollerZSis rotatably mounted. `A :cam .segment 1291 is :mounted `on the inside of `itheiront.housing 39 Cc'ig."l) .for operating the front slide .members :and :a similar `cam segment -tsee:alsoFig.. 12) Iisrmounted on the yinside ofthe :rear frame jforthe .rear slides.

llhe itwo :cam `segments 2 91 Aextend above and )helowthe place 'where `a ican :end :is Afed into a Ltestemhead. lCam 29.1;is provided withia cam :groove 22% (Fig. l2) `'whichfis ,ared as .at `239 .-'sothat asaitesterhead approaches thefcam the rollen ithatlhead \moves up into the `flared -entrancerof .the cam .'groove. As littraverses 'the roam rtrack, Ythe `cam wall racting on the roller 4pt's'zres'the slide y2li2finwardly and this draws out fnnithemovable head-member ,24| Vandopens up :tlreiiead for the reception of its canend. The samezactionfrees Vafcan end already-tested. The

canrftraek now'holds the head open untii the can .end has `been'received and centered when the slide isiagain'moved, this time to clamp the can -end within its head.

v.The can end clamped inits tester headfisnow :subjected to the vtesting operation by manipulation of the desired testing pressures applied to its sealed testing chambers 'K and The cam lrollerleaves the cam trackz `at the top as itheftester head passes up and beyond the cam -segment'o'i asthe test proceeds.

Before a thorough understanding of the testling operation-can behad it will benecessary to ^consider themechanical construction of the pres- .-mechanicalparts ofthe twddiaphragin unitsM.

The valve as well as the'diaphragm'units .are mounted at thefront of the machine, apart of stationary position onthe front frame.

A rotatable valve cylinder 305 (Figs. 7 'and,24)

is mounted upon a sleeve extension Sl formed inthe front disc 22. 'This sleeve extensionzpro- `jects .forward of thewheel hub 2|.and the valve the rear'face Aof 'anon-rotatable valve ring 301 yin an air tight joint.

Valve'ring 301 thus encircles `the sleeve eXtension 336 but does not touch it, as clearly shown in Figs. 24 and 25. The air tightjoint is maintained by spring pressed buttons 308 which are slidably mounted in bores 309 cut in the face of the bearing 36 in the bearing block 31. These bores are spaced at equal intervals around the shaft 3l so that'the valve ring is pressed evenly againstthe valve cylinder. Springsl located in the bores back up the buttons, see Figs. *7 and 3l.

The valve ring 301 has a slightirubbing movement relative to the rotating valve cylinder 305 so that the contacting faces of the two members give a polishing effect to the surfaces thus preventing localized wearing. This rubbing movement is irregular and is brought about by two non-synchronized eccentrics which Ymove the valve ring differently from above and`below.

Valve ring 301 is radially slotted in the'noncontacting face of the valve parts as `at^3`f5 (Figs. 24 and 25) and a sliding block 316 is mounted for slight radial movement in the slot.

This part of the valve ring is above the shaft 3| and an eccentric pin 3|1 rotatably fits Within a bore `3|8 cut through the block. Pin '3i 1 `is an Vintegral part 'of a shaft 310 which is rotatably `mounted in the lower ,part of bearing block 36 and which is below and parallel to the shaft 3|. The two shafts S19, 323 are rotated from the shaft 3i but at different speeds so that the minute shifting of the valve ring 301 through ,the eccentric pin 32215 notsynchronized with .the

movementimparted to the upper part .of the valve ring by the Veccentricpin 31,1 and its sliding blocki3l3. A geari325-is secured/to` the front end of 'the wheel `shaft .3l andmeshes with a gear 323 `on shaft 31,9 and with a larger gear 321.0n

shaft 323 to effect this shifting movement.

'Both of the valve members 305 and .301 are honeycombed with air ports and passageways,

the valve cylinder 305 having a plurality of ports arranged in'three rows on its periphery and the valve ring ghaving but three peripheral ports. All lperipheral ports in both members 'join with -passageways leading into the valve bodies and kthese passageways terminate at the two contact faces of the members. Accordingly, during one complete revolution of the wheel A all of `the passageways of the movable part'305 are brought at onetime or another into communication with one -cr more of the passageways in lthe valve vsure valve 1L -with lits connections `and also .the T5 Ting 301. 

